On April 17, 2023, the delegation of Uzbekistan led by the First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Sodiq Safoyev met with the Secretary General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) Kevin Casas-Zamora, in Stockholm, Sweden.

At the meeting, Sodiq Safoyev introduced Kevin Casas-Zamora to the reforms implemented in Uzbekistan in recent years to improve the electoral law, as well as the essence and significance of the renewed Constitution announced for the national referendum.

In particular, it was noted that the amendments introduced to the Constitution are primarily aimed at the construction of New Uzbekistan, which will strengthen the guarantees of protection of human rights and dignity, its social protection and economic well-being.

Prohibition of the death penalty, implementation of the Miranda Warning, guaranteeing the rights of а suspect, accused or defendant, the reflection of the Habeas Corpus institution, and others were highlighted as the most important changes.

At the same time, Eldor Tulyakov, Executive Director of the Development Strategy Center, and Dilorom Fayziyeva, Chairman of the Committee on International Affairs and Interparliamentary Relations of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, mentioned that through the amendments to the Constitution, special attention is paid to strengthening the constitutional guarantees of the labour, social and environmental rights of citizens, particularly of the needy segments of the population, guaranteeing personal rights and freedoms of people and citizens.

In turn, the Secretary General of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Kevin Casas-Zamora, said that he gladly supports the changes made to the Constitution, which were developed as a result of a wide public discussion and will help to develop democracy and a strong civil society in the country.

Following the talks, it was agreed to establish a systematic exchange of experience in the development of democratic institutions, ensure transparency, accountability and efficiency in the organization of elections, as well as develop cooperation in creating joint projects on harmonization of legislation of Uzbekistan in accordance with the renewed Constitution.

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance was established in 1995. It is an intergovernmental organization that supports and strengthens democratic institutions and electoral procedures. The Institute is mainly engaged in assisting in electoral processes, constitutional construction, and also has an observer status in the UN.

Shakhnoza Toshtemirova, UzA